Dad Matters Bristol & South Gloucestershire

03/09/2025

Hi all. Behind the scenes there has been a lot of work going on rebranding the Dad Matters graphics and resources, here's a sneaky peak at the new colour scheme, keep your eyes peeled for more updates!

06/08/2025

Jenny and Jerome are repping Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire and Dad Matters Bristol & South Gloucestershire today at the Eastville Park National Play, get along to Redcatch Community Garden to see Steve and we also have a stand at the Ardagh too!

01/08/2025

This Wednesday I shall be attending the Eastville Park Play Day and Steve will be at Redcatch, so come along, have a play, have a chat and keep your fingers crossed for sunshine!

On Wednesday 6th August , children, families, and communities across the UK will come together to celebrate National Play Day 2025 .  This year’s theme, Spaces for Play , highlights just how important it is for children and young people to have access to safe, inclusive, and welcoming

30/07/2025

After 11 years in this fine city I do consider myself an honorary Bristolian, but I'll always be a Spurs fan (however a questionable life choice that is) and Harry Kane will always be dear to me, so dead chuffed to see this; good work Harry!

16/07/2025

No, Jerome and Steve aren't about to drop a hip hop album, they're just posing outside the Pathway Family Hub following a productive meeting to determine Steve's imminent appearance at their drop in sessions as part of our expansion into South Gloucestershire!

04/07/2025

However you feel about the Government, I'm sure we can all agree on the need for more advocacy for Men's Mental Health, get on it!

Men’s Health Matters - Have Your Say!

The Government is developing a Men’s Health Strategy for England, and they want to hear from YOU.

Whether you're a dad, professional, or just care about men’s wellbeing — now is the time to act.
Share your experience, insights or evidence to help shape future support.

Submit your views here:
https://consultations.dhsc.gov.uk/mens-health-strategy
Learn more:
https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/mens-health-strategy-for-england-call-for-evidence

Deadline: 17 July 2025

04/07/2025

Can't recommend this enough, even with the removal of my obvious bias! First time I shadowed this as a new Dad Matters Co-ordinator, I picked up things I'd not learnt about baby states and communication I'd not been told anywhere during all three of my perinatal journeys!

New Dad?

We’ve Got You!

Becoming a dad can be exciting — and overwhelming.
Our FREE online New Dad Workshop is here to help you feel more confident, connected and prepared.

✅ What to expect
🧠 Mental wellbeing
👶 Baby bonding
💬 Space to ask questions
🧍‍♂️ Meet other dads

📅 Book your place now:
👉 www.dadmatters.org.uk/workshop or https://shorturl.at/pQLqq

17/06/2025

Because apparently I haven't properly figured out scheduled posts for when I'm out of the office on house calls this is what I was hoping would pop up yesterday, which, posting a day late, in a way, is even better, because whilst having designated days to bring attention to issues is great, your mental health isn't automatically sorted for the other 364 days of the year just because of 24 hours in the spotlight, so make sure you've got something/sometime just for you; just wearing the Dad/carer, husband/partner, employer/employee hats can be exhausting, wear the 'you' hat when you can, check in on your pals or if you or they aren't comfortable with that, send them our way. Look after yourselves Dads, and if you need to, let us help. Big love.

Today is International Father's Mental Health Day and we are busting some myths as we know dads can get a bad rep.

With the help of Dad Matters UK we've created a myth-busting download especially for dads.

Get your free guide here (and please pass it onto a dad you know who could do with a feel-good boost) https://bit.ly/dads-myths

13/06/2025

And now for Steve, who will be supporting Dads across South Gloucestershire!

"I joined Home Start as a Dad Matters coordinator in 2025. I’ve been working with adults and young people who have learning difficulties and autism since 2009. I’ve been a proud foster carer since 2022.
I’m passionate about supporting the mental wellbeing and believe it’s vital to promoting healthy and happy families. I am a strong advocate for those who are neurodivergent and have SEND."

13/06/2025

Morning all; as I alluded last week, we have tripled in size! Over the next few weeks Joe and Steve will be out and about with me as we meet Dad's and professionals, but first, lets hear a little from Joe, who will be joining me in supporting Dad's in Bristol....

"My name is Joe, I’m a Dad Matters coordinator for Bristol. I have an 8-year-old son and I’m training to be a counsellor and love cycling, running and cooking. I joined Dad Matters in June 2025 after volunteering for Home Start and I’m looking forward to meeting dads and raising the profile of this brilliant service."

06/06/2025

Morning all, just a quick one this morning to say that where there was one, now there are three! I'm pleased to announce that Joe (left) will be supporting Dads in Bristol with me and Steve (right) has joined to provide support Dads in South Gloucestershire as we officially become Dad Matters Bristol and South Gloucestershire! (I do now need to remember how to rename this page- eek!) Once they've caught their breath they'll pop a little introduction to themselves on here! It feels great to now be providing as wide reaching support as the whole of Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire !!!

23/05/2025

Some of us Dad Matters coordinators share our thoughts on stress in aid of ... Spot the Home-Start Bristol and South Gloucestershire resource room in the background!